Marywood University’s School of Social Work to Hold Its Spring 2021 Colloquium Virtually Marywood University’s School of Social Work will hold its Spring 2021 virtual Colloquium titled, “The Culturally ‘Woke’ Social Worker: Addressing Historical and Contemporary Racial Inequities,” on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 8:45 a.m. – Noon. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Because space is limited, participants must register in order to attend, at marywood-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd-CorzgrEtX0PgW0iXzoAx0XjDKK8B4y. This educational gift to the community will help us stay connected and enable us to work together to make a difference. It is a social worker’s role to address racial justice in proactive practice—to become ‘woke’ to cultural differences and systems of racial oppression. As we all continue to struggle with the uncertainty of a global pandemic, people have taken to the streets and boardrooms to address inequities and their devastating effects. For Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, stories about the impact on health, wealth, and relationships of intergenerational traumatic events in the form of news or social media posts are more than stories—they are examples of experiences enduring trauma, historically and currently, which have led to health and other social disparities. Marywood University’s School of Social Work’s Spring 2021 Colloquium will bravely engage in conversations about work that helps to foster authentic engagement with social work staff, community providers, clients and their families. Participants will learn which facilitation tools to use when faced with a hot button issue, or other challenging situations, and how to bravely lead conversations about race with presence, grace, and intention. By attending this workshop, participants will be able to define intergenerational trauma and complex trauma; explain three trauma-informed, resilience-oriented strategies to address the impact on individuals and communities; explore culture, unconscious bias, micro aggressions, racism, privilege, marginalization, color blindness, and intersectionality; determine ways that cultural differences impact professional relationships; and obtain a culturally relevant skill set with at least two tools to work towards micro and macro level change. Presented by Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D., director of the Office of Diversity Efforts at Marywood University, this session will provide a culturally competent understanding of trauma-informed, resilience-oriented strategies that inequities have had on those we support. This session will also address the impact at the individual and community level to build a future that promotes healing and resilience. This program is approved for three (3) continuing education hours for social workers applicable toward New York and Pennsylvania LSW licensure renewal. To register, please visit marywood-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd-CorzgrEtX0PgW0iXzoAx0XjDKK8B4y. For additional questions, please contact Jill Schroth, director of Professional Continuing Education at Marywood University, at jschroth@marywood.edu, or call (570) 340-6061.
Scranton Counseling Center Executive Announces Retirement Plans For over two decades as President and CEO, Edward F. Heffron, Ed.D. has overseen the operations of the Scranton Counseling Center, the largest, fully integrated, comprehensive behavioral healthcare center in northeastern Pennsylvania. Dr. Heffron has announced his retirement from Scranton Counseling Center effective March 31st this year. In addition to managing Scranton Counseling Center since 1999, Dr. Heffron has also managed a specialized 54-bed personal care home and a large, freestanding outpatient psychiatric private practice, both under the umbrella of the Counseling Center. Those responsibilities encompass a workforce of over 250 employees and generate almost $18 million in annual revenue. The Center is completing a $15 million state-of-the-art adaptive reuse and renovation of a historically significant 3-building complex in South Scranton that will become the new Scranton Counseling Center campus for behavioral health services in late March. The new headquarters will allow all the Center’s programs and services to be fully integrated into the new facility with sufficient space for future growth. The campus will provide easy access on a bus route, on-site parking for employees, consumers and their families, off-street passenger drop-off and pickup, and a new facility thoughtfully and specifically designed to best meet the needs of both consumers and staff. “The new headquarters for Scranton Counseling Center has been a 5-year project of love,” Dr. Heffron explained. “Once we get the new campus open and start providing services, we will combine behavioral health, physical health and a pharmacy at one convenient location for our clients. Our staff will have the latest and most modern workplace, and our consumers will benefit from the bright, modern layout and uplifting environment.” Dr. Heffron added, “This headquarters project has been an additional focus of our board and management team for quite some time. Completing it is the capstone event of my career.” In addition to those significant achievements during Dr. Heffron’s 21-year leadership of Scranton Counseling Center, he has also Formed The Assertive Community Treatment Team operational 24/7 serving individuals with serious and persistent metal illness who are high users of mental health servicesEstablished a licensed Substance Use Disorder Program serving adolescents and adultsLaunched an Intercept Model/Early Diversion Program to divert non-serious criminal offenders with mental health and/or substance use disorder issues to treatment, rather than incarcerationEstablished state certified, Peer and Recovery Specialist Services to engage individuals in recovery from mental illness in the community, and assist consumers experiencing substance use disorder issues 24/7 through the Geisinger CMC ERExpanded 24-hour crisis emergency services to Susquehanna County and northern Lackawanna CountyInitiated innovative school-based and community behavioral health services to 21 school buildings in five school districtsBecame the first regional behavioral health provider to integrate physical health with behavioral health servicesImplemented the only Decision Support Center in Lackawanna County to enable individuals to attain a greater role in their treatment and medication regime in collaboration with their therapist and medication prescriber An Executive Search Committee will commence a review of internal candidates and external applicants for the President/CEO position. During the transition, Sal Santoli, MS, a long-term manager with over four decades of service with the Center, will oversee the SCC’s operations as Interim CEO as of April 1st. He will coordinate the efforts of the current Center management team of Wendy Reed, LCSW, COO, and Jeff Novak, MBA, the CFO. Scranton Counseling Center is a community based, private nonprofit behavioral health provider serving children, adolescents, adults and families with mental health and substance use disorder issues in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and surrounding counties. The Center is northeast Pennsylvania’s largest integrated provider with over seven decades of quality accessible services for those in need.
Swift Kennedy Volunteers Help Distribute Food Employees of Swift Kennedy’s Scranton branch volunteered to assist with a food distribution program sponsored by the Scranton-based Keystone Mission at its Wilkes-Barre office on January 28. Over 250 people received bags of food and clothing at this event. The Swift Kennedy volunteers included William Fleming, Sr., Camille Holmes, and Jessica Smitchel.
Cooper’s Seafood House Raises Funds for Women’s Resource Center Cooper’s Seafood House presented a check for $7,645 to the Women’s Resource Center. The monies were raised from a lobster bisque soup sale held by Cooper’s in memory of Jeanne Marie McGowan. Jeanne was a Scranton native with a tremendous amount of empathy for those in need, working as an advocate to give them a voice. All the proceeds will go towards supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence in our community.
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week – Preparing tomorrow’s workforce! For years we’ve supported a program that arms high school students with the tools to be our next great employees – Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). PFEW brings together students and businesspeople for a powerful hands-on learning experience where students are immersed in the exciting world of modern business and free enterprise. The goal is to properly prepare our young people for the demands of the 21st century workforce. At PFEW, students make the same decisions real executives make as they run a simulated manufacturing company. Each team is paired with a volunteer business mentor who imparts invaluable real-world perspective as they explore all facets of business operations and develop the skills that today’s employers seek. Teams are responsible for two judged presentations where they must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of all facets of business operations. The week is highlighted by Speakers delivering inspiring messages directed at the students’ personal and professional development. An ethics case study, other business-related activities and the college experience round out this exciting week. Since 1979, more than 46,000 young Pennsylvanians and countless PA companies have benefitted from this unique program. There’s no more urgent work than preparing our young people for careers in our community, but why PFEW? In the words of 2019 PFEW graduate Brina Cartagenova: “This week at PFEW will resonate with me for years to come, for it is an eye-opening experience for Pennsylvania youth. Arriving as wide-eyed, eager children and leaving as empowered, confident leaders, PFEW students go through an academic cultivation like no other.” Brina describes PFEW perfectly – cultivating our next great generation of empowered, confident leaders. No other model educates students like PFEW, and that’s why we proudly support it. Every student attends PFEW on a fully tax-deductible $625 sponsorship donated by a business, foundation, organization or individual, but real value of PFEW is immeasurable. I encourage you to provide these vital sponsorships for our local students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions. FFEE is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, and all programs are eligible to receive EITC funding. FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for success and provide incredible value to our young people and our business community. The Stock Market GameTM (SMG) teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing and financial literacy, and the Speaker Series helps students explore careers and fulfill state mandated Career, Education and Work (CEW) standards. All Foundation programs have one goal in mind – preparing our young people for successful careers in Pennsylvania. If you would like to learn more about PFEW or their other educational offerings, please visit the Foundation’s website, www.pfew.org, or contact Scott Lee, vice president of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.
Lackawanna College Awarded $300K Grant to Expand NEPA Healthcare Workforce Lackawanna College has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the NEPA Healthcare Foundation to help grow and retain northeastern Pennsylvania’s healthcare workforce through new and existing health sciences programs. “This regional initiative deepens our relationships with NEPA health facilities, with a focus on providing an awareness of healthcare career opportunities and ensuring that Lackawanna College Health Sciences students continue to receive the high-quality education and licensure required to enter the field,” said Kelly Musti, Lackawanna College Dean of Health Sciences. “This grant will enable us to reach students at the beginning of their higher education journey, enhance our existing programs and establish additional programs in the areas that we serve.” Lackawanna College will use the funding to launch the Healthcare Career Exploration Partnership in collaboration with local school districts, which will introduce students at the middle and high school levels to career opportunities in multiple healthcare disciplines. The main goal of this program will be to encourage qualified students to enroll into health sciences programs immediately after high school, ultimately increasing and diversifying the number of healthcare professionals trained and retained in NEPA. Funds will also be used to support Lackawanna College’s existing health sciences programs and help establish Certified Clinical Medical Assistant programs at two of its locations. “Through the Careers in Care initiative, the NEPA Health Care Foundation strives to make an impact to address the strains that the regional healthcare workforce is facing,” said James Clemente, NEPA Health Care Foundation Board Chair. “Introducing various healthcare fields to students at a younger age will ultimately help to increase the number of trained healthcare professionals in NEPA.”
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Announces Move to New Location NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is excited to announce their move to 815 Smith Street in West Scranton. The new location will provide the non-profit with more space and technology, a more efficient layout, and more parking. NeighborWorks will be able to have more impact on the neighbors and communities they serve. Outdoor renovations of the new location are being planned for the summer.
TOPP Business Solutions Acquires Technic IT Group TOPP Business Solutions (TBS), one of the region’s largest family-owned office automation dealers, is expanding with the acquisition of Dunmore, PA-based Technic IT Group, LLC. “This is truly a win-win for all involved,” said Brad Lehman, TOPP Business Solutions COO. “Our goal is to expand our focus and bring our excellent products and services to all current and potential customers within the Managed IT Services regional marketplace.” Technic owner John Martines said, “When two of the best providers in the office solutions space join forces, it creates positive results for both the customers of TOPP and Technic going forward.” TBS, now in its third generation of family leadership, employs approximately 100 people who operate from its four locations in Scranton, Allentown, Montoursville and Altoona. In 2019, TBS generated over $20 million in revenue and has been providing business and office technology services to the Northeast, Central and Leigh Valley of Pennsylvania’s local industries for over 60 years. “We needed to further position ourselves as a leading force in the industry within our PA marketplace. With the addition of Technic, TBS will further solidify its position as the most advanced technology service provider available,” Chris Falzett, VP of Sales for TBS said. “It is clear our customers are changing and expect more from their vendors,” Paul Falzett, Topp Business Solutions CEO said. “Many of our current copier customers have expressed interest in having one provider to handle both their print and IT Services needs and having the Technic team join us will certainly help us deliver on those customer expectations.” TBS President Bill Truchan, an expert in the field of mergers and acquisitions, seeks to create further expansion for the company in the near future. TBS looks forward to the new relationship with Technic customers and anticipates continued growth that fulfills the TBS mission created by Angelo Falzett in 1957: Give people quality products at a fair price, provide prompt, courteous service, and develop long-term relationships with your customers.
Geisinger Uses Virtual Consult at Orthopaedic Urgent Care Clinics Patients can connect with an orthopaedic provider on a real-time video consultation through the virtual consult service at Geisinger Orthopaedic Urgent Care clinics. The virtual consult expands the service and offers more convenience to patients as they have their injuries assessed on a video call and find out next steps. Last May, Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine opened five orthopaedic urgent care clinics, giving people with bone, joint and muscle injuries a convenient alternative to the emergency room or urgent care clinics with no appointment necessary. Now, the virtual consult offers adults and children immediate access to specialized orthopaedic care for common injuries like a strain, a sprain or a simple fracture that occurred in the last 72 hours. Virtual consultations are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The team at each facility has the capability to evaluate and treat injuries, perform X-rays, apply splints and casts and schedule follow-up appointments. “This virtual consult allows orthopaedic providers to help decide the best treatment care plan for minor injuries, thus avoiding the inconvenience of an emergency room visit and making health easier for our communities. It improves access not only for orthopaedic patients but for all other Geisinger patients — especially now, when many facilities are overwhelmed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Michael Suk, chair of Geisinger’s Musculoskeletal Institute. Once a patient is seen by an orthopaedic provider, they are scheduled for follow-up care as needed. The five orthopaedic urgent care clinics are in Danville, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Lewistown and Port Matilda. All locations offer weekday hours, and most offer weekend hours as well. To access the virtual consult, visit https://www.geisinger.org/patient-care/conditions-treatments-specialty/ortho-urgent-care or call any of the sites below for more information: Geisinger Woodbine Lane16 Woodbine Lane, Danville570-271-7430Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine3 W. Olive St. Suite 118, Scranton570-961- 3823Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine1175 East Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre570-808-1093Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon Geisinger Electric Avenue Medical Center310 Electric Ave. Suite 240, Lewistown717-242-8124Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Geisinger Gray’s Woods132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda814-272-6754Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon
The Wright Center Names Interim Associate Designated Institutional Official Michelle Ostroski, a licensed social worker with a background in nonprofit healthcare and educational settings, has been named interim Associate Designated Institutional Official (ADIO) for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. In this leadership role, Ostroski is responsible for supporting and sustaining an environment that promotes academic excellence. The Wright Center trains close to 250 physician learners enrolled in internal medicine, family medicine and psychiatry residency programs as well as gastroenterology, geriatrics and cardiovascular disease fellowships. The ADIO oversees academic and organizational compliance with accrediting bodies and partnering institutions of higher learning, and also monitors the quality and safety of clinical learning venues where Wright Center residents and fellows rotate through. As the largest Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Consortium in the country, The Wright Center trains doctors to provide care to the nation’s most vulnerable patients in high-performing, certified Patient-Centered Medical Homes, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and community-based hospitals. Residents and fellows train at Wright Center clinics and hospital systems throughout Northeast Pennsylvania as well as locations in four states across two coasts, including Tucson, Arizona (El Rio Community Health Center); New Richmond, Ohio (HealthSource of Ohio); Auburn, Washington (HealthPoint); and Washington, D.C. (Unity Health Care). Ostroski joined The Wright Center in June as the Director of Graduate Medical Education Workforce Operations, promoting innovative learning opportunities and best practices in education, and will continue to maintain that role in addition to her new responsibilities. “Michelle’s commitment to empowering our residents and fellows with the best educational experience possible makes her a great fit for this role,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, Designated Institutional Official for The Wright Center. “My goal is to foster a collaborative learning environment that optimizes the training physician learners receive at The Wright Center and each of our partnering sites,” Ostroski said. “Ensuring these community-minded doctors emerge as competent and compassionate primary care providers goes to the heart of The Wright Center’s mission.” Ostroski earned her master’s degree in social work with specialization in behavioral health from Marywood University, and her bachelor’s in secondary education and English at Temple University. She is pursuing her doctorate in education and leadership in healthcare from Nebraska Methodist College and resides in Forty Fort.
